Supporting Your Joints

HolisticHealthArthritis & Joint Support
Written By Teri Storey

A Holistic Approach to Degenerative Arthritis (Osteoarthritis)

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of degenerative or mechanical arthritis, often arrives quietly and stays stubbornly. Rooted in the wear-and-tear of cartilage over time, it typically manifests as joint stiffness during movement and localized pain. But while the cause may be mechanical, the care we give our joints can be deeply nourishing.

This guide offers a gentle, encouraging approach to supporting your body through osteoarthritis, exploring the underlying causes, affected systems, and integrative strategies—including food, herbs, salves, teas, tinctures, and supplements—that help rebuild joints, ease inflammation, and support mobility.

Understanding Osteoarthritis: Cause and Systemic Impact

  • Cause: The protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually breaks down due to age, repetitive use, or injury. As cartilage thins, bones may rub together, causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

  • Affected Systems: Primarily the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, tendons), but also circulatory (reduced perfusion to joints), lymphatic (waste removal and inflammation), and endocrine (hormonal shifts that affect joint health).

Sources:

Nutritional Foundations: Food as Joint Medicine

  • Anti-inflammatory diet: Emphasize omega-3-rich fish, olive oil, flax, and walnuts. Include dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and berries.

  • Joint-building nutrients: Bone broth, seaweeds, and foods high in vitamin C (citrus, strawberries, bell peppers), magnesium (leafy greens, pumpkin seeds), and silica (cucumbers, oats).

  • Avoid: Processed sugars, nightshades (for some), and foods high in purines if inflammation is acute. Note: Foods high in purines include red meats, organ meats (like liver), certain seafoods (such as anchovies, sardines, mussels), and alcoholic beverages like beer. These can contribute to uric acid buildup, which may exacerbate inflammation in sensitive individuals.

Sources:

Herbal Support for Degenerative Joint Pain

  • Tinctures (Internal):

    • Curcuma longa (Turmeric) – anti-inflammatory, slows joint degeneration.

    • Boswellia serrata – reduces pain and protects cartilage.

    • Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) – relieves chronic pain.

    • Apium graveolens (Celery seed) – diuretic and mineral-rich, supports detox.

  • Teas (Nutritive and Anti-inflammatory):

    • Blend of Nettle, Horsetail, Oatstraw, Licorice, Peppermint, and Ginger. Simmer for mineral extraction and drink daily.

  • Salves and Topicals:

    • Arnica oil – anti-inflammatory and supports bruised tissues.

    • Castor oil packs with essential oils (clove, wintergreen, rosemary).

    • Traumeel ointment – over-the-counter blend shown effective for musculoskeletal pain.

  • Soothing Wax Treatments:

    • Beeswax dips for hands infused with Equisetum or Centella to relieve stiffness and improve tissue repair.

Sources:

Supplemental Support

  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Building blocks of cartilage.

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Lubricates joints.

  • MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): Anti-inflammatory, supports tissue elasticity.

  • Vitamin D & K2: Bone and joint synergy.

  • Magnesium: Muscle and connective tissue support.

Sources:

Movement as Medicine

  • Focus on low-impact movement like walking, tai chi, gentle yoga, or swimming.

  • Short, frequent movement periods are more helpful than long, strenuous sessions.

  • Range of motion exercises reduce stiffness and encourage synovial fluid production.

Sources:

Cautions and Care

  • Herbs like Curcuma may thin blood in high doses; avoid before surgery.

  • Essential oils like clove and wintergreen should be diluted to avoid skin irritation.

  • Always check for drug-herb interactions with your healthcare provider, especially when combining with NSAIDs or blood thinners.

Encouragement on the Path You’re not alone in this. While osteoarthritis may change how your body moves, it doesn’t have to define how you live. There is no shame in slowness. Honor your pace. Let nourishment, movement, and small acts of daily care become part of your healing rhythm. Each step, each sip of tea, each mindful stretch is a vote for your body’s resilience.  You've got this!

 

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on my personal experiences, research, and ongoing learning. I am not a licensed medical professional, and nothing shared here should be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Everyone’s body, health history, and needs are different—what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions related to your health, especially regarding any conditions, treatments, or changes in diet or supplement use. I do not accept liability for any harm or injury that may result from the use or misuse of the information shared.

Teri Storey Cool Beans Travel
Previous

Crystalline Clarity
Next

Caring for Your Liver